With the lower Manhattan skyline and the New York Harbor serving as a backdrop, 21 people became naturalized U.S. citizens in New Jersey on Monday morning.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey was among the dignitaries at the Independence Day ceremony, delivering remarks after the citizens uttered the naturalization oath of allegiance at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

“This nation was made possible because of the sweat and struggle and sacrifice and blood of our ancestors,” said Booker.

Each citizen completed the naturalized process, which includes an exam.

21 People Become US Citizens at Liberty State Park in July 4 Ceremony

With the lower Manhattan skyline and the New York harbor serving as a backdrop, 21 people became naturalized U.S. Citzens in New Jersey on Monday morning. (Published Monday, July 4, 2016)

Among the naturalized citizens was a man from Togo who just finished basic training in the U.S. armed forces.

“The country gave you a lot so you need to give back, and I feel like that’s the only way I could give back and be useful to my country — my new country,” said Koame Toudji.

It was a momentous day for even organizer Cruz Builes, too. It was 30 years ago that she became an American citizen in the same park.

“I just get very emotional not only for us but for them, because I know what they’re going through when they take that oath and become a naturalized citizen,” she said.

The ceremony is part of USCIS’ annual Independence Day celebration. More than 7,000 new U.S. citizens were welcomed in more than 100 naturalization ceremonies around the country between June 30 and July 4.

Liberty State Park is a common site for citizens to become naturalized citizens and is one of several iconic locations around the country to host the ceremonies.

https://www.stateparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/NJ-SP-logo.jpg300276NASPDhttp://www.stateparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Americas_State_Parks_Logo-300x188.jpgNASPD2016-07-05 02:28:252016-07-05 02:29:23NJ - 21 People Become US Citizens at Liberty State Park in July 4 Ceremony

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says investments in the state park system are paying off by giving residents access to expanded recreational opportunities around the state.

The improvements announced by the Democratic governor include new picnic and playground areas, expanded parking, renovated shower facilities, newly built fishing piers and other upgrades at parks around the state.

Niagara Falls State Park, for instance, will get $17 million for improvements at major falls viewing areas.

The current state budget includes $90 million for additional improvements at the state’s 180 parks and 35 historic sites.

Cuomo highlighted the work at the start of the July 4 weekend which is typically one of the busiest times of the year for the state’s recreation system.

When Lisa and Tim Atkins pack up the truck with hiking gear, load up the paddleboard and kayak, or strap the mountain bikes to the back of the camper, they’re likely headed for a state park.

The St. Stephen couple will show up at one of the 47 parks in South Carolina as often as a dozen times per year. Most of their camping is done there, Tim Atkins said, because of the price, environs relatively less crowded than private parks and nearby natural areas.

“You’ve got the mountains. You’ve got the beach. You’ve got great trails in the Midlands. I wish we could do it more,” he said.

So I was happy to hear that Wilderness State Parkwest of Mackinaw City was about to open 10 new rustic campsites with views of Lake Michigan.

Although reservations went online back in February and pretty much sold out, I kept checking for cancellations and found one for the first night the campground opened, June 23.

I arrived in early afternoon, the first person there. It felt funny to be the first soul to set up a tent in the new campground, the first to light a fire in the metal fire ring, and maybe the first to use the nearby vault toilet (brand new and the cleanest one I ever saw! You could eat off the cement floor.)

Imagine being banned from setting foot on nearly 524 million acres of public land.

That was one of the punishments handed down last month to a San Diego woman who pleaded guilty to defacing rock formations in seven national parks with graffiti. She also is required to do community service and pay a yet-to-be-determined fine.

Her sentence was unusual. Her crime was not.

Graffiti in wild places is common, certainly here in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.

“I’ve been in the state parks system 35 years, and it’s been going on as long as I’ve been around,” said Ken Bisbee, manager of Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County. “I’ve seen it in every park I’ve worked in.”

MN State Park License Plate Design Contest

Hiker, dock or camper? Help choose state park license plate

Which will it be: a red canoe at a dock, hikers at Lake Itasca or two people camping in a tent?

Those are the three choices the Department of Natural Resources is asking people to vote on for special license plates that will cost $60 extra (a $10 initial fee and at least $50 a year afterwards). The money will give you access to state parks, no need for a $25 permit, with the rest going to parks and trails.

Voting began this week and goes through 5 p.m. Monday. The winner will be announced Wednesday. Licenses will be available in October.

Minnesotans submitted more than 80 suggestions and three were chosen as the best.

“It has been exciting to see all the creative ways people represented Minnesota state parks and trails in their license plate designs,” said Erika Rivers, director of the Parks and Trails Division at the Department of Natural Resources. “Now it’s up to the voters to choose a winner.”

The campgrounds at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion have been reserved for Independence Day weekend, but campers should expect to find slower services because of the state’s budget impasse, officials said.

Illinois Beach State Park Superintendent Saki Villalobos said the park had been ready to hire two more full-time maintenance employees, but officials had to make do with the current staff of three. He admitted the lack of staff has led to slower garbage pickup and dirty bathrooms.

“There is an impact, and we are trying to do what we can,” Villalobos said.

Illinois lawmakers on Thursday approved a partial six-month budget aimed at keeping state government operational. The plan focuses heavily on ensuring schools open in the fall and funding human service programs. Money has also been earmarked for basic government services, such as fuel and repairs for government vehicles.

WXYZ Detroit – How about celebrating this July 4th weekend in one of America’s state or national parks? Here in Michigan, you are never more than 30 minutes from a Michigan state park, campground or trail. From Belle Isle to Fort Wilkins, the parks will kick off this summer holiday with a host of activities. Michigan has dozens to choose from and your state recreation passport will get you in any of them. It will also help to maintain and preserve the quality of our parks.

We also encourage you to explore and enjoy our national parks. In August, our National Park Service turns 100! This centennial salute is about the past and the future! There are plenty of opportunities to learn and have fun inside the 407 national parks. That includes Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore and the 10-thousand square miles of the MotorCities National Heritage area. Both attract millions of tourists and billions of economic benefits.

But wherever you choose to celebrate July 4th, we urge you to practice fireworks safety! These colorful displays have become a tradition and festive part of marking America’s independence. Experts predict backyard fireworks will hit an all-time high this year. But to be safe, go to our wxyz.com web site for a list of very important safety tips.

Many of the early parks and preservation projects accomplished in the United States were through legislative acts by
the states. There was recognition of this growing responsibility in a relatively new field of public service. It
was through early successes that such American landmarks as Niagara Falls, the California redwoods, and the San
Jacinto battleground were saved for prosperity. A few years later, guided by Stephen Mather, the first National
Conference on [State] Parks to promote state and other public parks was conceived, organized, convened and actively
supported by practically every park and conservation luminary in the country. Held in Des Moines, Iowa in January
1921, it brought together some 200 highly motivated delegates and ignited a “prairie fire” for the development of
public parks across America. From the success of this auspicious convocation of modest beginnings grew a national
state park movement that has achieved unimaginable success.11Adapted from The State Park Movement in America by Ney Landrum

America’s State Parks today include more than 2,200 traditional state parks and more than 8,100 additional
areas that provide wonderful outdoor recreation experiences and unique historical, scientific and environmental
education opportunities. Eighteen and one-half million acres provide for grand diversity – from the vastness of a
half-million acre mountainous landscape, to the colorful intricacies of a living coral reef, to the world’s longest
stalactite formation, to the tallest sand on the Atlantic seaboard, to the historic locations where European
settlers first came to America, and much more. This mosaic of the natural resources and cultural fabric of America
and the splendor of its beauty are enjoyed by 791 million visitors to state parks annually. Both remote and resort
in their offerings, America’s State Parks are indeed yours to explore and experience.

Now, as during the past century and the beginning of the state park movement, the support of partners are invaluable
to success of parks. America’s State Parks have long been recognized their accessibility, and for
their effectiveness and management efficiencies.

Support from individuals, friends groups and corporate America are central to continuing to provide and advance quality
outdoor recreation experiences and opportunities in America’s State Parks and safeguard their importance to the
nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.